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Arapahoe Basin, a favorite ski destination for locals and families, is a true Colorado gem. The first ski area to be developed in the Rocky Mountain state, 'A-Basin', or 'The Basin', has been attracting skiers since 1946. True to its history, skiing is still the main attraction, indeed, the only attraction, at this low frills mountain.

Unlike the flashier, busier resorts in Summit County, A-Basin boasts no fancy lodge (the mac 'n cheese at the cafeteria is quite good, though), no glittering hotel (only tents and campers to be found here), and no world class shopping (one could purchase the entire inventory of the ski shop for the price of a fur coat). What it does have is 900 acres of pure skiable fun, and a good ol' down home attitude that allows for a more relaxed and informal mountain adventure.

Known for its high alpine skiing (with a summit elevation of 13,050 feet, it has the highest skiable terrain in North America) and 'The Beach' (slope side picnic tables and tailgating sites), A-Basin is a unique ski area that attracts a unique type of skier or boarder. In addition, the smaller size of the mountain and proximity of the parking lots make it easily accessible for groups and families, for those wishing to have a picnic lunch (welcome in the lodge) or those looking for a convenient meeting place. It is a simple mountain and lends to an uncomplicated day. What is left, then, is more time on the slopes.

Don't let the Basin's relatively small size fool you, however. There are plenty of greens, groomers, tree runs, terrain parks, chutes, steeps and bumps for everyone. In fact, they are expanding their skiable terrain by 80% for the '07-'08 season- adding a new bowl and 400 acres of blue, black and double black runs. Montezuma Bowl, or 'Zuma bowl, will make accessible more 'freshies'- those coveted powder turns that one has to fight for at the busier resorts.

Indeed, the stats prove that Arapahoe Basin provides more time on the snow and less time in the lift line than nearby resorts. For the 2006-2007 ski season, A-Basin saw about .25 million visitors on its then 6 lifts and 500 skiable acres. Just down the road, Keystone Resort received around 1.2 visitors on its 19 lifts and 3,148 acres- five times the visitors and only three times as many lifts. Breckenridge, the most visited resort in the area, has 1.65 million visitors on its 29 lifts and 2358 acres- six times the visitors and only five times as many lifts.

For more turns and less hassle, consider Arapahoe Basin for your next ski vacation!

Learn more about this author, Leigh Dennis.
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